WIN A DATE WITH TAD HAMILTON! (2004)
DreamWorks Pictures

By Désirée I. Guzzetta

Okay, I didn't go see this movie just because I'm a huge Josh Duhamel fan from his days on my favorite soap opera, "All My Children." Seriously. I am a movie critic, after all, and must be held to a higher standard. Really. Why are you staring at me like that?

Anyway, Win A Date With Tad Hamilton! is light, breezy fare that's aimed at the fluttery hearts of teenaged girls. Tad boasts three appealing leads, including future superstar Duhamel, who fits the role of the titular movie heartthrob to a tight-fitting Tee (shirt, that is).

The plot is simple: hometown honey Rosalee (the beautiful and appealing Kate Bosworth) does what the film's title suggests: wins a contest for a date with actor Tad Hamilton, who needs to polish his image after having been caught by the tabloids smoking, boozing, and floozying (is that a word? Well, it is now). His managers, both of whom happen to be named Richard Levy (Nathan Lane and Sean Hayes, both hilarious), are ecstatic to learn that Rosalee is the kind of down-to-earth innocent sure to rescue Tad's tarnished rep. What they don't count on is Tad following Rosalee back home in a desperate bid to have her innocence rub off on him (no, not like that--get your minds out of the gutter!).

Back home, Rosalee's best friend and co-worker, Pete (Topher Grace of television's That 70's Show), has an unrequited love for her and must fight his jealousy of Tad. Meanwhile, her other friend and co-worker, the kooky Cathy (Ginnifer Goodwin), couldn't be happier for Rosalee, especially when it becomes apparent that Tad's feelings for Rosalee are deepening. Also, in a fun "Love Hurts" way is Pete's friend, bartender Angelica (Kathryn Hahn), who has an unrequited love for Pete.

The fun of the movie lies in the way it treats its teen audience: with respect. Sure, some of the scenes are stereotypical of teen films, but the filmmakers take extra care not to insult their target audience or their characters. Pete, while a smart-aleck, truly cares for Rosalee and is willing to see her happy, even if it means losing her to his rival. Tad, for his part, isn't a typical vain heartthrob, instead having a depth of character that makes him real competition for Pete.

The movie also has genuine laughs and a charming cast; Bosworth is adorable but strong, and Grace keeps Pete's general sarcasm from becoming obnoxious. Duhamel, though, is the true breakout actor. His natural charisma and talent turn Tad from a potentially one-dimensional person into someone you root for, even if you know deep down that Pete is the one for Rosalee. Duhamel is definitely an actor to watch.

Finally, "All My Children" fans should have fun with the little touches, such as Duhamel playing a cad named Tad who starred in a film about a man named Jackson. Okay, those are probably unintentional little touches, but I appreciated them just the same.

Official Tad Hamilton! Site

DreamWorks Pictures
Director: Robert Luketic
Screenwriter: Victor Levin
Starring: Topher Grace (Pete Monash), Josh Duhamel (Tad Hamilton), Kate Bosworth (Rosalee Futch), Ginnifer Goodwin (Cathy Feely), Kathryn Hahn (Angelica), Nathan Lane (Richard Levy the Driven), Sean Hayes (Richard Levy the Shameless)
Running Time: 1 hour, 36 minutes
Rated: PG-13

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